US considering recall of more troops from Iraq
By IANS
New York, July 13 (IANS) The US is considering the withdrawal of additional combat forces from Iraq beginning September, following pressing need for more troops in Afghanistan in the face of intensified insurgency by Taliban, the New York Times reported Sunday.
By the time President George W. Bush leaves office Jan 20, at least one and as many as three of the 15 combat brigades stationed in Iraq could be recalled or scheduled for recall, the daily said Sunday, citing US administration and military officials.
22 PKK rebels killed in operation in SE Turkey
By Xinhua,
Ankara : A total of 22 rebels of the outlawed Kurdish Workers' Party (PKK) were killed in the operations staged by the Turkish security forces in Sirnak province in southeastern Turkey in the past four days, a Turkish military statement said on Tuesday.
Pakistani govt ready to fight dengue threat: minister
By NNN-APP,
Islamabad : The Federal Minister for Health Ms Sherry Rehman has taken a strong note of the reports of the presence of a confirmed case of dengue fever in Islamabad.
Expressing concern at the prospects of the outbreak of the disease in the Capital, the Federal Health Minister ordered immediate measures to combat the disease.
“The government is determined to prevent the spread of disease this year. Unlike the past, we will not let it become a serious threat to the public health this time.”
Iran’s Security Official talks with top Chinese, Russian negotiators
By SPA,
Geneva : Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Saeed Jalili in separate meetings with the top Chinese and Russian nuclear negotiators on Sunday called for final settlement of Iran's nuclear dossier which was discussed with representatives of Group 6+1 in Geneva.
Group 6+1, which included high ranking representatives from Britain, Germany, France, China, Russia and the US and EU top negotiator Javier Solana, met with the Iranian envoy on Saturday and discussed various issues such as Iran's modality plan for continued talks.
Indo-Pak talks dominated by Kabul suicide attack & cross-border terrorism
By IRNA,
New Delhi : India on Monday raised the issue of involvement of some elements in Pakistan in the suicide bomb attack at its Embassy in Kabul.
The issue was raised at the meeting of the Foreign Secretaries of the two countries to launch the fifth round of composite dialogue in New Delhi.
Briefing media on the meeting, the Foreign Secretary, Shiv Shankar Menon said the talks were held at a difficult time in the relations between the two sides. He said that there have been incidents over Line of Control and incidents of cross border terrorism.
Obama pledges to work for Mideast peace if elected
By DPA,
Amman : US presidential candidate Barack Obama pledged Tuesday to work relentlessly for peace between Israel and the Palestinians based on the "two-state" vision if elected president.
Addressing a press conference in Amman, the Democrat leader supported a "phased withdrawal" from Iraq, fielding more US troops in Afghanistan and putting pressure on Pakistan to play a more active role against terrorism.
Coalition operation eliminates several militants in C Afghanistan
By Xinhua,
Kabul : Several militants were killed Tuesday during a U.S.-led Coalition forces operation to disrupt militant activities in central Afghan province of Wardak, said a Coalition statement released here on Wednesday.
Coalition forces searched several compounds in Sayed Abad district targeting a Taliban commander suspected of conducting attacks on Coalition forces, including the June 26 attack in Wardak resulting in the deaths of three Coalition service members and an Afghan interpreter, the statement said.
Several militants killed in Afghanistan — coalition
By KUNA,
Kabul : The US-led coalition troops announced Wednesday the killing of several militants during an operation in Maidan Wardak province of Afghanistan in an operation conducted in Said Abad district, along the Kabul-Kandahar Highway.
"Coalition forces searched several compounds in Said Abad targeting a Taliban commander suspected of conducting attacks on coalition forces, including the June 26 attack in Wardak resulting in the deaths of three coalition service members and an Afghan interpreter," said a coalition statement.
Hamas launches crackdown against Fatah following Gaza blasts
By Xinhua,
Gaza : Hamas forces launched a crackdown on supporters and charities linked to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas' Fatah movement in Gaza Strip early Saturday following a mysterious blast that killed a number of Hamas people.
Among the detainees was a colonel working in the pro-Abbas intelligence service and a cameraman works for the German ARD television.
Italy condemns terrorist attacks in Turkey
By KUNA,
Rome : Italy condemned Monday the terrorist attacks that occurred in Istanbul Sunday evening and expressed its support to Turkey's membership in the European Union (EU).
Italian Foreign Minister Franco Frattini said in a press release issued by his ministry that he condemns the attacks which killed 16 people and injured 154 others as acts of terrorism.
The release said the minister sent, Monday morning, a cable to his Turkish counterpart expressing the Italian government's support.
It also said that Frattini stressed his support to Turkey's membership in the EU.
Musharraf to attend Beijing Olympics opening ceremony: spokesman
By IRNA,
Islamabad : Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf will be visiting China to attend the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics on August 8, the Foreign Ministry said Monday.
Briefing newsmen in Islamabad, Foreign Office spokesman Muhammad Sadiq said the President will visit China at the invitation from the Chinese Government.
The President will also hold meetings with the Chinese leadership including President Hu Jintao, the spokesman said.
Iran, EU discuss major powers’ nuclear talks offer
By SPA,
Brussels : Iran's nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalili and European Union foreign policy chief Javier Solana discussed an offer from major powers on Tehran's nuclear programme on Monday, a European Union official said.
"During the (phone) conversation, the freeze-for-freeze issue will not be discussed. Like the last talks (in Geneva), they will only discuss the common points of the two packages," the senior Iranian official told Reuters.
Pakistan incapable of anti-terror policy, says media
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan is incapable of formulating a policy against terrorism because it blames the scourge on the West, an editorial in a leading English daily said Wednesday, noting with alarm that vast swathes in the country's north and northwest were under the effective control of the Taliban and the Al Qaeda.
"Since it blames terrorism on the West in general and America in particular, Pakistan is also incapable of formulating policy against terrorism," Daily Times said in an editorial headlined "New policy against terrorism?"
Peace process on hold till Pakistan acts against terror: Antony
By IANS,
New Delhi : India will not take the sub-continental peace process forward until Pakistan acts against the terrorists operating from its territory, Defence Minister A.K. Antony said Monday.
"We will not take the peace process with Islamabad further till it takes stern action on terrorism emanating from its soil," Antony told a conference of the Indian Air Force (IAF) top brass here.
The India-Pakistan peace process came to a grinding halt following the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks that India blames on elements operating from Pakistani territory.
Five injured in Pakistan blast
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : Five people were injured Thursday in a blast in Pakistan's North West Frontier Province, a media report said.
The blast occurred on Hangu road in Kohat town, Geo TV reported.
With trust in Zardari waning, US wooing Sharif: NYT
By IANS,
New York : As American confidence in the Pakistani government wanes, the Obama administration is reaching out more directly than before to Pakistan president Asif Ali Zardari's chief rival Nawaz Sharif, the New York Times said in a report.
American officials have long held Sharif at arm's length because of his close ties to Islamists in Pakistan, but some Obama administration officials now say those ties could be useful in helping Zardari's government to confront the stiffening challenge by Taliban insurgents, the influential newspaper said Saturday.
Obama urges action on Mideast peace
By DPA,
Dresden (Germany) : US President Barack Obama Friday said the time was ripe to take action to push forward the Middle East peace process.
"The moment to act is now," the president told a news conference with German Chancellor Angela Merkel after talks in the East German city of Dresden.
"We want to try to clear some of the misunderstandings so that we can have frank dialogue," Obama said referring to talks between Israelis and Palestinians. "To do this we need strong partners."
US House links aid to Pakistan with fight against terrorism
By Arun Kumar, IANS,
Washington : The US House of Representatives has passed a bill proposing to triple US non-military aid to Pakistan to $1.5 billion a year but linking military assistance to Islamabad demonstrating a sustained commitment to combating terrorist groups.
Iran’s allegations on interference absurd: Obama
By DPA,
Washington : US President Barack Obama Tuesday accused Iranian officials of making the US a scapegoat in an attempt to distract the people from the debate and protests surrounding the country's presidential elections.
Obama told reporters that the United States is "not at all interfering in Iran's affairs" and strongly condemned the beatings and imprisonment of protesters.
Pakistani helicopters kill 28 Islamist militants
By DPA,
Islamabad : Helicopter gunships attacked the hideouts of Islamist militants in Pakistan's tribal region bordering Afghanistan, killing at least 28 rebels in overnight action, security officials said Thursday.
The bombardment came hours after a pro-government tribal elder, Malik Guli Shah, and his two guards were shot dead by gunmen in the Khyber district.
"Our three helicopters engaged several positions of Lashkar-e-Islam in the Sandapal and Akakhel areas of Tira Valley (Khyber district) late Wednesday," said Wajid Ali, a spokesman for the paramilitary Frontier Corps.
Put curbs on intelligence agencies, Dawn says
By IANS,
Islamabad: India and Pakistan need to put curbs on their intelligence agencies in order to end interference in each's other internal affairs, a leading Pakistani newspaper said Thursday.
In an editorial on the Indian spy agency Research and Analysis Wing's (RAW) alleged involvement in insurgent activities in Balochistan, the Dawn said: "Stopping the meddling is more important than the manner in which it is brought to an end. It is the final result that counts."
Afghan elections will be challenging: British envoy
By DPA,
London : The presidential elections in Afghanistan later this month will be "very challenging" but measures are in place to "mitigate" threatened disruption from Taliban forces, Britain's ambassador to Kabul said Wednesday.
Mark Sedwill, speaking via videolink to a briefing at the Foreign Office in London, said the recent increased fighting in Helmand province in southern Afghanistan had guaranteed that about 70 percent of the people there would be able to vote.
90 killed in Afghan explosion
By DPA,
Kunduz (Afghanistan) : Ninety people were killed Friday when two hijacked oil tankers exploded in the northern Afghan province of Kunduz as Taliban militants were distributing fuel to civilians, said provincial governor Mohammad Omar.
The militants stopped the two oil trucks Thursday night on the highway connecting Kunduz with the neighbouring province of Baghlan, Omar said. The explosion occurred early Friday as civilians gathered to pick up the fuel, he said.
Terrorists are British, not Pakistani: Islamabad tells London
By IANS,
London : Britain has been accused of treating Pakistan like a "whipping boy" while failing to do enough to check home-grown British terrorism.
A senior Pakistani diplomat was Wednesday quoted saying terrorists convicted Monday of planning to blow up transatlantic airliners were "born and brought up" in Britain, not Pakistan.
"Sometimes for our British friends the truth is bitter. We have somehow turned out to be a whipping boy," the Pakistani diplomat said.
US Congress set to vote on Pakistan aid with ‘no terror’ conditions
By Arun Kumar, IANS,
Washington, Sep 30 (IANS) The US Congress is set to take the final step to triple non-military aid to Pakistan, but with stringent conditions demanding action against extremist groups on its soil and preventing attacks on neighbouring countries, namely India.
Though the bill scheduled for a vote in the House of Representatives Wednesday does not mention India so as not to hurt Islamabad's sensitivities, it specifically lists extremist movements Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), the outfit behind the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM).
Bangladesh to continue indefinitely with advanced time
By IANS,
Dhaka : Bangladesh has decided that the clock advanced by an hour to make maximum use of daylight hours as an energy saving measure would "continue for an indefinite period".
The working day dawned early throughout the country Tuesday with offices and educational institutions advancing their routine.
Bangladesh advanced its clock by an hour in July. The new time was set on Greenwich Mean time (GMT) +7 from the GMT +6.
Although that was meant to be a temporary measure, the government Monday decided that this would continue.
Karzai accepts runoff vote to be held on Nov 7
By DPA,
Kabul: Afghan President Hamid Karzai announced Tuesday that he failed to win an outright election victory in the first round of voting and accepted the results requiring a second round that will be held on Nov 7.
The Independent Election Commission (IEC), an Afghan election body that conducted the August election, said that Karzai's share of the vote was below the 50 percent needed for a first-round victory and set Nov 7 as a date for the second round of the election.
Jordan warns Israel against provocation in Jerusalem
By DPA,
Amman : Jordan Sunday warned Israeli police and religious radicals that further provocation in the compound that houses the al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem would fuel violence in the region and jeopardise peace efforts.
Clashes between Israeli police and youths armed with rocks broke out Sunday at the Noble Sanctuary/Temple Mount compound where the mosque is located. The confrontation was apparently sparked by calls by radical Jewish clerics to their followers to go up to the compound, and by calls by radical Muslim clerics for their followers to defend the site.
Pakistan finds documents linked to 9/11: NYT
By IANS,
Washington : Pakistan has found the passport of a member of the Hamburg cell of Al Qaeda, suspected to have planned the Sep 11 terrorist attack, during the assault in South Waziristan this week, New York Times reported.
In a village in South Waziristan, soldiers found a German passport belonging to Said Bahaji, an associate of Mohammed Atta, the leader of the 9/11 hijackers.
The passport was issued in Hamburg in January 2001 and was accompanied by a Pakistani visa dated March 2001. The documents indicated that Bahaji landed in Karachi from Istanbul Sep 4, 2001.
PM Gilani says fight against militants Pakistan’s own war
By NNN-APP,
London : Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani, in an interview with The Times, talked down the anti-US feeling in his country, saying that Pakistanis, horrified by the violence, now saw the fight against militants as “their war.”
“It is our war that we are fighting, not a proxy war for the US,” he told the paper’s foreign affairs editor Bronwen Maddox in the interview, arguing that his country was an ally among equals in the battle against terrorism, not an American or British stooge.
Terrorists trying to undermine Iraq’s poll process: Italian minister
By IANS/AKI,
Brussels : Italy's Foreign Minister Franco Frattini has condemned the coordinated car bomb attacks that killed over 120 people and injured 500 in the Iraqi capital Baghdad and said terrorists were "seeking to undermine the democratic electoral process in Iraq".
"I want to express my dismay and horror at the series of attacks in Iraq," Frattini told journalists in Brussels, where he was attending a meeting of European Union foreign ministers.
"The attacks claimed many innocent victims," Frattini said.
Clinton condemns Pakistan suicide bombing
By DPA,
Washington : US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has condemned the suicide bombing at a volleyball game in Pakistan that killed at least 95 people.
Clinton late Friday said the US would continue to provide support to Pakistan as it confronts terrorism within its borders.
"The US strongly condemns (the) attack on civilians in Pakistan, and we offer our condolences to the families of the victims and all the people of Pakistan," Clinton said in a statement.
Dubai debt crisis not seen as permanent setback for Islamic Finance
By NNN-Bernama,
Kuala Lumpur : The Dubai debt crisis does not represent a permanent setback to Islamic finance although the sukuk, or Islamic bond, suffered a blow as a potentially safer financial instrument than conventional bonds, says Malaysian Deputy Minister of International Trade and Industry Mukhriz Mahathir.
This was because of the reasonable disenchantment with the banking and financial system as practised in the West, he said at the launch of a Shariah-compliant close-end fund, AMB Dana Aqeel Capital Protected Fund, here Tuesday.
Third blast rips a market in Lahore, 4 injured
By IANS,
Lahore : Hours after two suicide attacks targeted a military convoy in Lahore, killing at least 48 people Friday, a powerful third blast ripped through a crowded market place in Pakistan's eastern city.
The third blast occurred at Lahore's Moon Market, where dozens of people were killed in two blasts in December last year.
Friday's blast injured four people, Geo News reported.
The nature of the blast has not been confirmed.
US pledges millions in aid to Pakistan, but no n-deal
By Arun Kumar, IANS,
Washington : Praising Pakistan's efforts to combat terrorism, the United States has pledged tens of millions of dollars of aid for roads and power plants, but sidestepped Islamabad's demand for an India-type nuclear deal.
The announcements came in a joint statement Thursday as the two countries wrapped up their first Strategic Dialogue at the ministerial level, co-chaired by US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi.
Karzai told of Obama visit one hour before touchdown
By IANS,
Washington/Kabul : US President Barack Obama's visit to Kabul was shrouded in secrecy and even Afghan President Hamid Karzai was informed about his visit barely an hour before he arrived, a media report said Monday.
Karzai was notified about the visit just an hour before he arrived, Daily Mail quoted the White House as saying.
Obama Sunday made his first visit to Afghanistan after taking office.
White House aides kept Obama's trip under a veil of secrecy as they feared a Taliban ambush.
At least 35 killed, 80 injured in Baghdad blasts
By DPA,
Baghdad : At least 35 people were killed and 80 injured in a series of blasts targeting mosques in the Iraqi capital Baghdad Friday, according to security sources and witnesses.
Two car bombs detonated in the al-Horriya and al-Rahmaniya areas, another bomb targeted people praying in al-Sadr city, eastern Baghdad and yet another went off targeting Hussayneyet al-Sadrein mosque in al-Zaafaraneya.
An explosive device went off inside a shopping mall in the al-Dora area, while a a suicide bombing occured near a mosque in the al-Amin area.
15 militants killed in Pakistani air strikes
By DPA,
Islamabad : At least 15 militants were killed as fighter jets hit their hideouts in Pakistan's northwestern tribal areas, an official said Thursday.
The attacks struck suburbs of Dabori in Orakzai district, where government forces launched an operation in March to recapture the area from Al Qaeda and Taliban rebels.
Air support was called in to hit four or five hideouts from where militants were launching attacks on ground forces, a security official said on condition of anonymity.
India, Pakistan agree to insulate dialogue from terror
By IANS,
Islamabad: India and Pakistan Thursday agreed to enhance counter-terror cooperation to deny terrorist elements any opportunity to derail their improving relationship as their foreign secretaries held talks to firm up "comprehensive, sustained and meaningful dialogue".
"We must deny terrorist elements any opportunity to derail the process of improving the relationship," said India's Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao after airing New Delhi's "core concerns" over terrorism at delegation-level talks with her Pakistani counterpart Salman Bashir.
UAE seeks investment in non-oil sector
By IANS/WAM,
Abu Dhabi: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has decided to promote investment in non-oil sectors to boost the country's economic diversification process.
The decision to place the emphasis on goods, resources and services was set to bring about a further increase in the non-oil-related contribution to the GDP of the country, said Minister for Foreign Trade Sheikha Lubna bin Khalid bin Sultan Al Qasimi.
"The UAE always works to bolster revenue sources via diversification and is attracting most of the foreign investment flows to the region," she said.
UAE troops distribute aid in Afghanistan
By IANS/WAM,
Kabul : The UAE military Monday distributed 30 tonnes of relief material in the flood-affected areas of Afghanistan.
The material was distributed in coordination with the Afghan Red Crescent Society (ARCS).
ARCS president Fatima Gailani commended the role of the UAE military in delivering and securing humanitarian aid to the Afghan people.
71 percent New Yorkers oppose mosque near Ground Zero
By DPA,
New York : Despite their support for freedom of religion, 71 percent of New Yorkers believe the planned mosque and Islamic community centre near Ground Zero should be built "somewhere else" and not two blocks from the terrorist-destroyed World Trade Centre, a poll said Tuesday.
The Quinnipiac University poll said that 54 percent of those interviewed recognised that "because of American freedom of religion, Muslims have the right to build the mosque near Ground Zero".
UAE commits $10 million to nuclear fuel reserve proposal
By NNN-WAM,
Abu Dhabi : The United Arab Emirates has contributed $10 million towards a fuel bank proposal originally launched by the Nuclear Threat Initiative (NTI) in 2006.
US-Pakistan cooperation will continue: Rice
By Xinhua,
Washington : The US will continue to work with the Pakistani government, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said after President Pervez Musharraf announced his resignation Monday.
Rice thanked Musharraf, a key US counter-terrorism ally, for his help in the fight against Al Qaeda.
Musharraf, who took power in 1999 in a military coup, announced his decision to step down in a televised speech to the nation earlier in the day.
Over 50 killed in fighting in Somalia
By DPA,
Nairobi/Mogadishu : More than 50 people have died in three days of heavy fighting in the Somali port town of Kismayo, reports said Friday.
According to the online portal of Somali radio station Garowe, fighting broke out Wednesday after a landmine targeted local clan militia travelling in a truck.
Islamic insurgent group al-Shabaab is believed to be attempting to seize the strategic port from the local clan that controls the town, which lies around 500 km south of Mogadishu.
Official sources: Abbas to meet Olmert on Sunday
By Xinhua,
Ramallah : Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli prime minister Ehud Olmert may meet on Sunday, Palestinian sources said on Wednesday.
The sources said that the Palestinian and the Israeli official shold contacts to arrange for the meeting which will be the second between the two men this month.
In the meeting, Abbas and Olmert will discuss the movement of peace talks over the final-status issues such as the border, water, refugee, security and the state of Jerusalem.
N Lebanon clashes kill one Imam, wound three others
By Xnhua,
Beirut : A gun battle between Sunni Muslims and Alawites in a north Lebanon village mosque on Sunday left one Imam killed and three others wounded, Local Naharnet website reported Monday.
Automatic weapons and rocket-propelled grenades were used in the fighting in the village of Sheikhlar, which left Imam Ezzedine Qassem killed and was "triggered by dispute between villagers," the report said.
Security officials said that rescue workers had not been unable to enter because of the intensity of the fighting at the time, the report added.
Preparations underway for presidential elections
By APP,
Islamabad : Preparations are underway for holding of presidential elections on September 6. The Election Commission has completed the printing of ballot papers, PTV reported.
The candidates in the run are contacting different political parties and consulting politicians and like minded people to seek support in their favour.
The election of the president will be held at a joint session of National Assembly and Senate in Islamabad and the four provincial assemblies.
The polling will continue from 10 a.m till 3 p.m without any break.
Sarkozy seeks Syrian help in Iran nuclear standoff
By RIA Novosti,
Damascus : French president Nicolas Sarkozy has asked for help from his Syrian counterpart to ensure that Iran does not produce nuclear weapons.
Sarkozy said after meeting President Bashar Assad in Damascus Wednesday: "I told the president that Syria can play a role in the Iranian issue. Iran must not obtain the atomic bomb, but it has the right to nuclear energy for peaceful use."
US to announce moving troops from Iraq to Afghanistan
By IANS,
London : The Bush administration in the US is considering moving the country's troops from Iraq to Afghanistan to tackle the growing insurgency in the war-ravaged country, a British newspaper reported Tuesday.
The US will withdraw about 8,000 of its 146,000 soldiers in Iraq by February and send 4,500 more to join the 33,000 strong contingent in Afghanistan, the Daily Telegraph reported, citing a speech which President George W. Bush is expected to deliver before the US National Defence University later Tuesday.
Israel completes list of prisoners to be released
By NNN-QNA,
Occupied Jerusalem : A special ministerial task force has completed drafting a list of Palestinian prisoners whom Israel would be willing to release in exchange for kidnapped soldier Gilad Shalit, the Israeli Haaretz newspaper reported.
The newspaper said Tuesday that the list which includes the names of 450 Palestinian prisoners has been submitted to Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert before sending it to Hamas through Egypt.
Israel is threatening to take "various active measures" should Hamas continue to delay talks over the captive soldier.
Zardari advised to accept resignation of PML-N ministers
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : Pakistani Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani has advised the President Asif Ali Zardari to accept the resignations tendered by the Federal Ministers of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), official Associated Press ofPakistan (APP) reported Wednesday.
The APP quoted Pakistan People's Party (PPP) member of National Assembly Farzana Raja as saying that PPP would respect the decision of PML-N to sit on opposition benches in the center.
Suleiman: Lebanon likely sets diplomatic ties with Syria before year-end
By Xinhua,
Beirut : Lebanese President Michel Suleiman Wednesday said that Beirut and Damascus were likely to exchange ambassadors by the end of 2008, local Daily Star reported Thursday.
Suleiman's remarks came during a meeting with a delegation from the French-Lebanese Friendship committee at the presidential palace, in the presence of French ambassador to Lebanon Andre Parrant.
The President praised the French role in improving relations between Lebanon and Syria.
IMF asks Pakistan to raise revenue target
By IANS,
Islamabad : The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has asked Pakistan to raise its tax collection target of Rs.1,250 billion ($16 billion) during the current fiscal, but no figure has been specified.
"Due to depreciation of the rupee by 24 percent against the dollar and higher inflationary pressure in the range of 20 to 25 percent, (the IMF says) the tax collection target should be fixed on the higher side of earlier target of Rs.1,250 billion," The News Friday quoted official sources as saying.
Exhibitors from India in Dubai gem show
By IANS,
Dubai : Exhibitors from India are among those from 20 countries participating in a global gem show taking place in Dubai.
Over 100 exhibitors from the coloured stones industry have gathered here for the International Gem Show Dubai 2008 that started Monday.
The three-day exhibition, under the patronage of the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), is being organised by the International Coloured Gemstone Association (ICA) and supported by the Middle East GemBureau.
140 Iraqi refugees in Syria head home
By SPA,
Damascus, Syria : Some 140 Iraqi refugees living in Syria headed home Wednesday on a free trip organized by the Iraqi government, citing improved security in their country.
The refugees boarded a chartered Iraqi Airways flight to take them to Baghdad, where they will receive an official reception at the airport. The Iraqi Embassy says it is
planning several such trips in the coming weeks, Associated Press reported.
RSF raised concern on Hamas strengthen control over Gaza strip
By NNN-WAFA,
Paris, France : Reporters Without Borders (RSF) is concerned about a new system of certification that Hamas has announced for all telecommunications companies, Internet service providers, broadcast media and news agencies based in the Gaza Strip, which has been controlled by the Islamist party Hamas since June 2007.
The press freedom organisation also called for the release of three journalists who have been held without explanation since 12 October in the Gaza Strip town of Deir Al-Balah.
UK MP welcomes launch of Int’l Jewish Anti-Zionist Network
By IRNA,
London : Backbench Labour MP John McDonnell is urging the British parliament to follow his lead and support the launch of the International Jewish Anti-Zionist Network (IJAN).
Its founding charter "gives voice to the great and growing number of Jewish people worldwide who refuse to allow the Israeli state to act in their name and who condemn Israel's ethnic cleansing of Palestinian people," McDonnell said in an Early Day Motion.
White House quiet over raid in Syria
By DPA,
Washington : The White House refused to comment Monday on reports of a deadly US military strike in Syria near the border with Iraq that has outraged Damascus and other Arab countries.
"I'm not going to comment on it at all," White House spokeswoman Dana Perino said.
The Syrian government and Arab leaders in the region have expressed anger over the purported US helicopter raid Sunday targeting militants in the town of Abu Kamal.
The Syrian government says civilians, including children, were among the eight dead.
Missile attack kills 4 in NW Pakistan
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : At least four people were killed in a missile attack in northwestern Pakistan on Wednesday, private TV channel Geo reported.
Some unknown militants fired a missile in Andi Khel area of Frontier Region of Bannu district in North West Frontier Province, killing four persons and injuring several others, said the report.
The injured were shifted to a nearby hospital for treatment. Security forces cordoned off the area after the incident.
No group has claimed responsibility for the attack.
Activists want end to Israeli blockade of Gaza
By IRNA,
London : Human rights activists are calling on Egypt to open its border with Gaza to prevent the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the strip.
Parliamentarians, community leaders, NGOs and human rights activists, from different countries, have written a letter to be delivered on Saturday by the Egyptian Embassy to President Hosni Mubarak to ask him to open Gaza crossing.
Violence escalates in Karachi, over 40 killed
By KUNA,
Islamabad : More than 40 people have been killed in the violence in Pakistan's southern Karachi port city, erupted Saturday night between two local ethnic communities.
While the violence continued to escalate in Pakistan's commercial hub, the provincial government Monday issued orders of "shoot on site" and banned pillion-riding.
Members of two ethnic communities went on a rampage and attacked each other on Saturday night in Karachi. The violence spread like fire in various parts of the city and have brought the daily life on standstill.
Two anti-Qaida fighters killed in shooting attack northeast of Baghdad
By Xinhua,
Baghdad : Two Awakening Council group fighters were killed and two others injured on Saturday in a gunfire attack on a security checkpoint in the city of Baquba, capital of the volatile province of Diyala, a provincial police source said.
"Unknown gunmen attacked early in the morning a security checkpoint manned by Awaking Council Fighters and policemen in theal-Wajihiyah town some 12 km northeast of the provincial capital Baquba," the source told Xinhua on condition of anonymity.
Bangladesh’s Jamaat alter ego of India’s BJP: media report
By IANS,
Dhaka : Bangladesh's Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) is the "politico-ideological alter ego" of India's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), a Dhaka newspaper said Thursday, cautioning against their brand of religion-based politics in South Asia.
The New Age newspaper attacked the Indian party, but made no reference in an editorial to other religious bodies and political parties at home or in Pakistan that were created on the basis of the "two-nation theory" reinforced by JeI chief, Motiur Rahman Nizami.
Israel Considers Offensive against Gaza
By Prensa Latina,
Tel Aviv : Israel hinted at the possibility to launch a mass offensive against Gaza in the wake of expiry of the truce with Islamic Hamas group and a day after an air attack resulting in one Palestinian killed.
Outgoing Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said to have "planned several scenes with Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni and Defense Minister Ehud Barak to face the situation."
"The scenes, plans and determination are clear, and we have variants for each step," said Olmert during a Sunday Cabinet meeting, while warning that "we will take all necessary steps."
Medvedev support to Palestinian president
By DPA,
Moscow : Russian President Dmitry Medvedev Monday ensured Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas of Russia's continued support for the Palestinians in the Middle East.
The number of problems has definitely not grown less," said Medvedev as he received Abbas for an official meeting at the Kremlin, reported the Interfax news service.
Dhaka steps up vigilance along border with India as bombs, explosives seized
By NNN-APP,
Dhaka : Bangladesh Monday put all border outposts of paramilitary Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) on high alert with neighbouring India as police retrieved a powerful bomb on a timer and two hand bombs in southwestern bordering district of Jessore on Monday.
Explosive experts were called in immediately to defuse them, police guarding the spot said.
India shares Mumbai evidence with Pakistan
By IANS,
New Delhi : India Monday handed over to Pakistan the evidence linking Pakistan-based militants to the Mumbai carnage and ratcheted up international pressure on Islamabad to eliminate terror infrastructure.
"We have today given evidence to Pakistan of links between elements in Pakistan and the terrorists who attacked Mumbai," External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee told reporters here Monday morning.
Foreign Secretary Shivshankar Menon handed over to Pakistan’s High Commissioner Shahid Malik the material linking the Nov 26 Mumbai attack to elements in Pakistan.
Israeli “pause” in Gaza offensive aims to allow humanitarian aid reach Gazans – US
By NNN-KUNA,
Washington : An Israeli "pause" in its bombings and invasion of Gaza was done for humanitarian assistance to be able to reach Gazans, White House press secretary Dana Perino said.
Israel has not endorsed a ceasefire plan negotiated by the Egyptians and the French, and while the Israelis "are open to the concept," they want to learn more details on the plan, Perino said during a White House briefing Wednesday.
The Israeli pause in its military operations was something US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice worked with the Israelis on overnight, Perino said.
Differences in Malaysian opposition over Islamic law
By IANS,
Kuala Lumpur : Differences have cropped up in Pakatan Rakyat (PR), Malaysia's opposition alliance, over the desirability of introducing Islamic laws in a multi-religious society, with one of its ethnic Indian leaders opposing it.
Lawyer-lawmaker Karpal Singh, chairman of Democratic Action Party (DAP), one of the PR constituents, has lashed out at the alliance chief Anwar Ibrahim, saying his assertion that Islamic hudud laws apply only to Muslims "is a fallacy", The Star newspaper reported Friday.
‘NSA sacking has tarnished Pakistan’s credibility’
By IANS,
Islamabad : The sacking of Pakistan's national security adviser for owning up the nationality of the sole terrorist arrested during the Mumbai carnage has tarnished the country's credibility and raised questions about the government's ability to keep top officials on a common platform, the country's media said Saturday.
The dismissal of Maj. Gen. (retd) Mehmud Ali Durrani "does little good to Pakistan. Its credibility, which is already not high, has been damaged further", The News said in an editorial headlined "Truth and lies".
Over 1,000 New Zealanders stage demonstration against Israel
By Xinhua,
Wellington : More than 1,000 people held rallies in New Zealand's largest city of Auckland Saturday in protest against Israel's attacks on Gaza.
The protesters marched from Aotea Square at midday to the U.S. consulate, where they threw about 100 shoes at the building, considered a grave insult by Arabs.
The march then returned to Aotea Square for speeches. Israeli flags were also burnt during the protest, according to the demonstrators.
Some of the protesters were clothed in Palestinian flags and held placards of dead and mutilated children.
Palestinian killed, four Israeli militants injured
By KUNA,
RAMALLAH, Feb 2 (KUNA) -- A Palestinian was killed and four Israeli militants injured by gun shots in Al-Khalil (Hebron) on Monday.
A Spokesman of the Israeli Army said a Palestinian opened fire on forces in Hebron, which returned fire killing him and injuring four others.
The spokesman did not reveal the name of the militant who was killed or the four others who were taken into Israeli territory. He added, however, that the man had opened fire while in his vehicle.
Iran confirms trial run of Bushehr NPP to go ahead by yearend
TEHRAN, February 17 (RIA Novosti) - Tehran hopes a trial run of the Bushehr nuclear power plant in southern Iran will take place before the end of this year, a Foreign Ministry spokesman said on Tuesday.
"The work to complete the construction of the nuclear power plant is proceeding as planned," Hasan Qashqavi said, citing Russian officials.
He added that Iran did not anticipate any "emergencies" that could prevent the plant's operation.
Pakistan rejects international concerns over Islamic laws
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : Pakistan Thursday rejected international concerns over the introduction of an Islamic judicial system in parts of its North-West Frontier Province (NWFP) as "speculative".
"There are some reactions including in NATO. These are mostly speculative," Pakistani Foreign Office spokesman Abdul Basit said at his weekly press briefing, when his attention was drawn to criticism from some Western nations.
Islamic courts will be set up in the Malakand division under an agreement between the NWFP government and the outlawed Tehrik Nifaz-e-Shariat-e- Muhammadi group.
Turkey denies US request to establish sea base
ANKARA, Feb 20 (KUNA) -- Turkey Friday denied the US asked Ankara to establish a sea base after Kyrgyzstan announced closure of the US air base in the Central Asian Republic.
"We have not received any request in this regard up until now," Turkish army spokesman General Metin Gurak told a weekly press briefing. He, however, did not deny press reports that the US might ask for the sea base.
Gurak declined to comment if the US asked Turkey to establish a sea base near the Black Sea city of Trabzon to replace the Manas air base in Kyrgyzstan.
Security forces kill 10 militants in Pakistan’s Khyber area
By DPA,
Islamabad : Pakistani security officials Monday claimed to have killed 10 militants in the country's restive tribal district along the Afghan border.
Helicopter gunships and artillery shells targeted a militants' location in the Khyber area, which serves as a vital route for supplies for NATO troops deployed in landlocked Afghanistan, said an official from Frontier Corps, the paramilitary troops fighting the Taliban.
"Our forces destroyed their communication system, 15 vehicles and killed 10 of their men," said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity.
Four injured in gunfight in Bangladesh Rifles headquarter
By IANS,
Dhaka : At least four civilians were injured in a gunfight that broke out at Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) headquarters here Wednesday morning, media reports said.
"The four injured civilians were admitted to hospitals with bullet wounds," Xinhua reported witnesses as saying.
Residents close to the BDR headquarters said they heard sounds of gun shots and mortar shells Wednesday morning.
The army has been called to put down the trouble.
President: 200 cabinet approvals in 2-day WAzarbaijan tour
By IRNA,
Tehran : President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said in northwestern Azarbaijan Province Thursday that during his two-day tour of West Azarbaijan, his cabinet had passed 200 approvals.
President Ahmadinejad told reporters that cabinet had agreed on implementation of 33 big industrial, mining and production projects in different provincial cities in the coming years.
He said the cabinet has also endorsed a plan which will extend a 10-year tax exemption coverage for the enterprises making investment in the province in the coming years.
Is Zardari on the way out?
By IANS,
Islamabad : Is Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari on the way out in the wake of the government's capitulation on the lawyers' demand for reinstating the Supreme Court and high court judges who were sacked in 2007?
Even if he stays, one thing is for sure: his reputation is in tatters and many of his powers could be taken away from the presidency and restored to the prime minister's office.
Israel-Hamas talks on prisoner exchange fail
By DPA,
Tel Aviv : Talks between Israel and Hamas in Cairo over a prisoner exchange failed to reach an agreement, Israeli media reports said.
The office of outgoing Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said late Monday that the talks collapsed because Hamas was making excessive demands and hardened its stance.
The Israeli envoys, domestic security chief Yuval Diskin and diplomat Ofer Dekel, said Hamas has also backed away from agreements that had already been reached in the talks, according to the Haaretz newspaper.
Malaysian parties prepare for snap polls
By IANS,
Kuala Lumpur : Malaysian political parties, including those that represent ethnic Indians, have begun preparing for likely snap polls.
Benazir Bhutto’s BlackBerry phones found
By IANS,
Islamabad : Investigators probing the assassination of former Pakistani prime minister Benazir Bhutto said they have found two BlackBerry mobile phones belonging to the slain leader.
David Cameron was right on “Islamist” extremism
By A. Faizur Rahman for TwoCircles.net,
Yunus removal didn’t help country’s image: Minister
By IANS,
Dhaka : The removal of Grameen founder Muhammad Yunus has not helped the country's image, Bangladesh Finance Minister A.M.A. Muhith has admitted.
Pakistan condemns Quran burning incident
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan has condemned the burning of the Quran in the US, saying such an act was a threat to religious harmony, according to a media report.
Extremist Jews attack Palestinian children in Jerusalem
By KUNA,
Gaza : A group of extremist Jews attacked a number of Palestinian children in Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood of Jerusalem Sunday night using sticks and gas against the youth.
Indian is appointed Dean of Vatican University’s canon law faculty
By UCAnews.com,
Rome: Dr. Jesu Pudumai Doss has become the first Indian to be appointed dean of the 70-year-old canon law faculty at the Universita’ Pontificia Salesiana (UPS) in Rome.
Over 16,000 Pakistani kids not given polio drops
By IANS,
Islamabad : Over 16,000 children were not given polio drops in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province due to parents' misconception, officials said.
Chinese, Bangladeshi legislators hold talks
By IANS,
Beijing : Top Chinese and Bangladeshi legislators met Wednesday and vowed to strengthen parliamentary cooperation between the two countries.
One dead as boat capsizes in Pakistan
By IANS,
Islamabad : One person was killed and 31 people, including college students, went missing after a boat capsized in a canal in Pakistan's Punjab province, a media report said Monday.
Two die in Pakistan landmine blasts
By IANS,
Islamabad : A shepherd and a girl were killed in two landmine explosions in Pakistan's Balochistan province.
Pakistani student wins global competition
By IANS,
Islamabad : A Pakistani schoolboy has won a world maths competition, a media report said.
Suspected Al Qaeda gunmen kill six in Iraq
By Xinhua
Tikrit (Iraq) : Six people were killed when suspected Al Qaeda gunmen attacked two houses in a rural area in Iraq's northern province of Salahudin early Saturday, police said.
"Gunmen, allegedly affiliated to Al Qaeda, attacked two houses outside the town of Duluiyah, 90 km north of Baghdad, killing a total six people," it said.
The attackers stormed the house of Saadoun Ahmed Meshlib, killing him and his three sons, while another group of gunmen attacked the house of Ziyad Ibrahim Khalil, killing him and his son before fleeing.
Iran lashes out at Bush’s speech against Tehran
By Xinhua
Tehran : Iran on Monday lashed out at U.S. President George W. Bush's recent speech that accused Tehran of the world's "leading state sponsor of terror."
"Bush's statements are the signs of desperation, hopelessness and the sense of failure in his last months of presidency," Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Mohammad-Ali Hosseini said in a statement.
He said that Bush has failed to acquire the consent of the Islamic and Arab countries in the region due to his "unilateral support of the Zionist regime (Israel)."
Iraqi Judge Killed in Shooting
By Prensa Latina
Baghdad : The judge of the Court of Appeals and member of the Supreme Judicial Council, Amir Jawdat al-Naeib, was shot dead in the Iraqi capital on Monday, while gunmen opened fire and killed two soldiers dressed in civilian clothes.
Al-Naeib and his driver were ambushed and killed by gunmen in two cars in the Mansour district of western Baghdad as he was being driven to work from his home.
Meanwhile, in the southern neigborhood of Zafaraniya, another group of armed men in a car opened fired at two soldiers wearing civil clothes and killed them.
Fresh Israeli airstrike kills two Palestinians
By Xinhua
Gaza : Two Palestinians were killed and three wounded on Wednesday evening in a fresh Israeli airstrike on a car in central Gaza Strip, medics and eyewitnesses reported.
Witnesses said that an Israeli aircraft struck a car near al-Bureij refugee camp in central Gaza Strip, in which three militants were believed to be riding, killing two and wounding several others.
They also said that shortly after the first strike, the Israeli aircraft fired another missile at the same area, which also caused casualties.
Egypt welcomes visit of Iranian Speaker
By NNN-IRNA
Cairo : An Egyptian parliamentarian on Sunday welcomed the scheduled visit to Cairo of the Iranian Majlis Speaker Gholam-Ali Haddad-Adel.
Head of foreign policy committee of the Egyptian Parliament, Mustafa al-Faqi told IRNA that the visit is an indication of the growing trend of Tehran-Cairo relations.
Haddad-Adel is to visit Egypt later this month to attend a meeting of the Islamic Interparliamentary Union.
Al-Faqi added that talks to be held between the Iranian speaker and senior Egyptian officials would lead to expansion of bilateral cooperation.
Tunis worried about situation in occupied Palestinian territories
By Xinhua
Tunis : Tunis is deeply worried about the situation in occupied Palestinian territories, especially the Gaza Strip, the Tunisian Foreign Ministry announced Monday.
A statement released by the ministry said that the deterioration of the situation in the occupied territories, especially the Gaza Strip, could trigger a humanitarian disaster.
Five soldiers killed in Pakistan
By Xinhua
Islamabad : At least five soldiers were killed early Tuesday when militants attacked their post in Pakistan's tribal area of South Waziristan bordering Afghanistan, the military said.
The militants launched a pre-dawn attack on a military post in a village in South Waziristan where a Taliban commander, Baitullah Mehsud, blamed for the assassination of former Pakistani prime minister Benazir Bhutto, is said to be hiding.
"Security forces retaliated with fire causing heavy casualties on miscreants," the military said in a statement.
Two policemen killed in Baghdad bombing
By Xinhua
Baghdad : Two policemen were killed and three other people injured in a bomb attack in central Baghdad on Thursday, an Interior Ministry source said.
"A roadside bomb detonated at about 8:30 a.m. (0530 GMT) near an Iraqi police patrol in the al-Andelus Square in Karrada district," the source told Xinhua on condition of anonymity.
The blast resulted in the killing of two policemen and the wounding of a policeman and two civilians, the source said.
Bereaved Chief of Lebanese Security vows no let-up in anti-terrorism fight
By NNN-KUNA
Beirut : Chief of the Internal Security Force, who lost two of his leading personnel in a fiery blast on Friday, vowed on Saturday to carry on the fight against terrorism.
Major General Ashraf Riffi, Director-General of the ISF, also known as the police, affirmed at a ceremony at his headquarters in Beirut in homage to the souls of the two officers, Major Wissam Eid and his bodyguard, also an officer, determination of the regular force to press on with the combat against terrorism.
Police identifies suspect in Bhutto assassination
By KUNA
Islamabad : Police Tuesday claimed identifying a suspected suicide bomber who killed former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto in an election campaign in December in adjacent Rawalpindi city.
The suicide bomber, who blew himself up after another militant fired shots at Bhutto, has been identified as "Bilal" who comes from the Waziristan tribal region, along the Afghan border, news channels quoted police sources as saying.
The arrest has been made, said sources, after a lead provided by earlier arrested teenager suspect Aitzaz Shah.
Abbas reiterates resolve to take control of crossings
By Xinhua
Cairo : Visiting Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Tuesday reiterated the Palestinian National Authority (PNA)'s resolve to take control of the crossings, the Egyptian MENA news agency reported.
Upon his arrival here, Abbas told reporters that the Palestinian Authority is resolved to take control of the crossings to serve the interests of the Palestinians.
However, Hamas's refusal to hand over control of the crossings to the PNA means that the group doesn't want to serve the Palestinians' interests, Abbas was quoted by MENA as saying.
Report: White House criticizes envoy over Iran
By Xinhua
Washington : The White House has expressed anger about an appearance in which U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Zalmay Khalilzad sat beside the Iranian foreign minister at a panel of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, on Saturday, the New York Times reported Wednesday.
Khalilzad was still in Europe and could not be reached for comment. His spokesman, Richard A. Grenell, characterized Khalilzad's appearance beside Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki as "just a multilateral conversation with the moderator."
Two Jihad activists killed in Israeli ambush
By KUNA
Ramallah : Two activists of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad Movement were killed and another injured in an Israeli ambush in Qabatyia near Jenin on Monday.
Ammar Zakarna, 20, and Ahmad Abu Zeid, 32, died before they were rushed to hospital, medical sources in Jenin said, adding that several bullets were found in different parts of their bodies.
Naji Nazal, 22, who was seriously wounded in the Israeli ambush, underwent a surgical operation, the sources said.
Israeli operation leaves 2 militants dead in south Gaza
By RIA Novosti
Gaza : Israeli troops killed two militants from Gaza's ruling radical Islamic movement Hamas and wounded several Palestinians in border clashes, Hamas hospital sources said on Tuesday.
The two activists from Hamas's military arm were shot dead in eastern Rafah near the southern border of the Palestinian enclave during a routine operation by Israeli troops in an area used by militants to launch rocket attacks on Israel.
The Israeli Air Force earlier killed a leader of the Popular Resistance Committees' armed wing in northern Gaza.
Islamic Jihad rejects deployment of international forces in Gaza
By Xinhua
Gaza : Islamic Jihad movement vowed Wednesday to deal with any international forces in Gaza in the same way as it deals with the Israeli occupation.
"We renew our refusal to deploy these forces and we will consider them an occupation force," said Walid Hilles, a spokesman for the movement.
The Islamic Jihad made the statement following reports that the Israeli government was studying a possibility of deploying multinational forces in the Hamas-run Gaza Strip similar to the UN international forces in southern Lebanon.
Israeli airstrike targeting rocket crew in Gaza wounds 2 militants
By Xinhua
Gaza : Two Palestinian militants were wounded early Saturday as an Israeli airstrike hit the group of militants who were preparing for firing home-made rockets into southern Israel from northern Gaza Strip, Palestinian medical sources said.
"The two men were taken to Beit Hanoun hospital and then transferred to another hospital in Jabaliya refugee camp," said Mu' awia Hassanein, director of ambulance and emergency department at the health ministry.
The two sustained moderate injuries, he added.
Germany to increase its forces in Afghanistan
By DPA
Berlin : Under pressure from Washington to help western forces more in Afghanistan, Germany is to boost its troop contingent and extend their zone of deployment westwards, a news weekly said Saturday.
Der Spiegel reported that officials would propose raising the parliamentary authorization for the mission from an upper limit of 3,500 to 4,500 personnel.
Berlin would also offer to take on peacekeeping in Badghiz province, currently in the care of an Italian command.
Israeli defense minister criticizes calls to step up military action in Gaza
By KUNA
Gaza : Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak criticized calls by other ministers for stepped-up military action in Gaza Strip, claiming that such ministerial remarks give the enemy detailed and damaging information, Haaretz reported on Wednesday.
This came in statements to reporters during Barak's two-day visit to Turkey which began on Tuesday, during which he will meet with Turkey's president, prime minister, foreign minister, defense minister, and chief of staff.
Emaar Properties proposes 20 percent cash dividend
By Aroonim Bhuyan, IANS
Dubai : Real estate giant Emaar Properties, which is building the world's tallest building, the Burj Dubai, has proposed a cash dividend of 20 percent of the nominal value of shares to be ratified at its upcoming annual general meeting March 19.
"To achieve our Vision 2010 of being one of the most valuable companies in the world, the business must reinvest its resources for Emaar to continue its path to growth," Emaar Properties Chairman Mohamed Ali Alabbar said in a statement here Wednesday.
Pakistani team releases report on Bhutto’s assassination
By Xinhua
Islamabad : Pakistani police released a report on Wednesday about the investigation into the assassination of former Prime Minister and leader of the opposition People's Party Benazir Bhutto.
Speaking at a news conference in Rawalpindi, Abdul Najeed, assistant inspector general of the Pakistani Police Central Intelligence Department said two suspects arrested by the police confessed to their involvement in the assassination of Bhutto.
Abdul Najeed said the two suspects told the police about their conspiracy to kill Bhutto.
Former ISI chief foresees Iran-like revolution in Pakistan
By Gurmukh Singh, IANS
Toronto : Former chief of Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), Hamid Gul, believes "an Iran-like revolution" is possible in the country if President Pervez Musharraf does not step down immediately.
In a hard-hitting interview with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC), Gul also didn't rule out the forcible removal of Musharraf.
If Musharraf does not step down, Gul said: "We may have to think (about forcibly removing him) because, after all, the country is more important.
British Muslims speak out against barrage of Islamophobia
By IRNA
London : A coalition of Muslim organizations on Friday spoke out against the latest barrage of Islamophobia following the recent call by the Archbishop of Canterbury for the accommodation in Britain of some aspects of Sharia law.
The coalition, led by the Muslim Council of Britain and British Muslim Forum urged the country's two million community to "stand up and be counted as equal citizens" in the face of the mass hysteria in the press and elsewhere.
Palestinian brigades attack Israel”s Soufa Crossing
By KUNA
Gaza : The National Resistance Brigades, the military wing of the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine, claimed responsibility for a missile attack on Israel's Soufa Crossing Saturday morning.
In a statement, the brigades said one of its units launched an "advanced" locally-made missile at the crossing, located close to Rafah, southern Gaza Strip.
Muslims hold London vigil to demand equal citizenship
London, Feb 16, IRNA ,Over 30 Muslim organizations in Britain joined together Saturday in a vigil outside Prime Minister Gordon Brown's office to demand equal citizenship in the face of a new barrage of prejudice and contempt against Islam.
"Now is a time for solidarity; to affirm respect, equality and parity for all Britons, irrespective of race and creed," the organizations said.
Iran, Iraq emphasize on need to restore brder posts
By NNN-IRNA
Tehran : The deputy foreign ministers of Iran and Iraq have signed a border agreement to restore the posts at the two countries' shared land and water international borders, including those in Arvand River.
According to IRNA Political Desk reporter, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister (Arab World and African Affairs) Mohammad-Reza Baqeri said at the ceremony held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs here Wednesday to sign the agreement in the presence of Iraq's Deputy Foreign Minister (Legal Affairs) Muhammad al-Haaj Hammoud that bilateral ties are friendly.
Pakistan: ‘Zardari resisted pressure from Musharraf, US to go with PML-N’
By NNN-PTI
Islamabad : Pakistan People's Party (PPP) co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari overcame pressure and enticement from President Pervez Musharraf's camp and the US to not align with former premier Nawaz Sharif's party, to form a coalition government with the PML-N, a media report said here today.
Zardari, who yesterday announced along with Sharif that their parties would form a coalition, was offered governments at the centre and at least three of the four provinces if he distanced himself from the PML-N and allied with the PML-Q and other pro-Musharraf forces.
Israel preparing for new war: Hezbollah chief
By DPA
Beirut : Hassan Nasrallah, leader of Lebanese Shiite movement Hezbollah, Friday accused Israel of preparing for a new war against his country, similar to the July 2006 conflict.
"Israel's killing of Hezbollah leader Imad Muganiyeh is a prelude to open war against Lebanon and part of new tactics by Israel of cutting off the heads of Hezbollah leaders," Nasrallah said.
He was addressing a massive rally in Beirut's southern suburbs to commemorate the death of Muganiyeh, who was killed in a car bomb blast Feb 12 in Damascus.
Pakistan police arrests suspects
By SPA
Islamabad : Pakistan police Wednesday arrested three suspected terrorists and captured suicide jackets and chemicals from them.
Shorkot Police said the suspects who belonged to an outlawed outfit were planning to target some important political leaders of district Jhang.
Police are investigating and expect sensational disclosures.
S.Korea”s dependence on Middle East crude oil up
By KUNA
Tokyo : South Korea's crude imports from the Middle East fell 2.8 in December from the previous month to 62.07 million barrels, as imports from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Qatar decreased.
But Seoul's heavy dependence on the Middle East further went up by 2.2 month on month percent point to 84.0 percent and exceeded 80 percent for five months in a row from August, due to the decline in shipments from Asia and Africa, according to the latest data released by the state-run Korea National Oil Corporation.
Roadside bomb kills senior police officer in northwest Pakistan
By SPA
Peshawar, Pakistan : A roadside bomb killed a senior police officer and his driver Friday as they drove through a militancy-plagued region of northwestern Pakistan, AP quoted police as saying.
The bomb killed Javed Iqbal, the deputy police chief of the Lakki Marwat district of North West Frontier Province, and his driver as they were driving through the district, said Khaled Khan, a police official. It was unclear who was behind the attack.
UNSC holds emergency meeting on Israel’s incursion into Gaza
By Xinhua
United Nations : The United Nations Security Council started an emergency meeting early Saturday evening to discuss the latest Israeli incursion into the Gaza Strip.
The meeting was called at the request of Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas, diplomats said.
The Israeli army invaded the northern Gaza Strip Saturday, killing dozens of Palestinians and wounded hundreds of others.
Bring in Hamas, International Herald Tribune
By IRNA
Paris : Last October, a bipartisan group of eminent former senior government officials, including Brent Scowcroft, Zbigniew Brzezinski, Lee Hamilton and Paul Volcker, urged President George W. Bush and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice not to entertain the fantasy that an Israeli-Palestinian peace accord can be negotiated with Mahmoud Abbas, the president of the Palestinian Authority, without the participation of Hamas, International Herald Tribune said on Wednesday.
British Army investing defective shell death of woman and three children in Iraq
By NNN-KUNA
London : The British Army is investigating claims that a defective shell fired by British troops killed an Iraqi woman and injured three children, the British Ministry of Defence (MoD) said.
The illumination round is understood to have been fired in response to a militant rocket attack in Basra, but may have malfunctioned.
The MoD said Wednesday it learned of the casualties with "great regret and sadness." An MoD spokesman said it was investigating the incident, which happened last Sunday, with Basra police.
Northern Iraq Police Station Attacked
By Prensa Latina
Baghdad : Friday's attack with explosives against a police station killed four agents and wounded another dozen in the northern city of Mosul, reported health authorities in the area.
A driver crashed his vehicle against Al Waqas police station at the center of that city.
According to an official version spread in Mosul 17 people were injured in those attacks, 10 of them police agents.
Explosion in hotel in SW Pakistan kills one person
By KUNA
Islamabad : A person was killed and four others were wounded in a bomb explosion Saturday in Southwestern Pakistani province of Baluchistan, police said.
A time-bomb ripped through a small hotel in Kohlu district of Baluchistan when a number of workers were having their lunch, police sources told KUNA.
They said the explosion killed a person and wounded four others. They added that two of the wounded were in critical condition.
It also badly damaged the hotel and shattered window glasses of several nearby shops.
Iranian FM visits Syria for talks on regional affairs
By NNN-Xinhua
Damascus : Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki arrived here on Saturday for talks with Syrian leader on regional affairs.
Iran's Charge d'Affaires in Syria Masoud Hosseinian told reporters that Mottaki, who returned from visits to several African countries, would have a short stop in Damascus. He did not elaborate.
Mottaki was expected to meet with Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad and his counterpart Walid al-Muallem, focusing on the latest developments on the Lebanese and the Palestinian arenas.
French reporter injured in Iraq
By ANTARA News/DPA
Baghdad : Militants injured a French reporter early Saturday in the city of Erbil, some 350 kilometres north of Baghdad, after attempting to rob and sexually abuse her in a hotel in the city, media reports said.
Militants attacked French reporter Ceisen Emy Bonne, 33, in Horman hotel, police sources told Voices of Iraq (VOI) news agency.
They had tried to rob and sexually assault the journalist and struck her in the chest when she resisted.
Israel agrees ceasefire with Palestinian gunmen in Gaza – website
By RIA Novosti
Tel Aviv : Israel and armed Palestinian factions in the Gaza Strip have reached a ceasefire agreement, an Israeli website said on Sunday, referring to sources in the Palestinian enclave.
The agreement on the ceasefire came into effect this weekend, during which only one rocket was fired at Israel's southern towns, Ynet said.
In turn, Israel suspended army raids and air strikes on Gaza, which have claimed the lives of more than 120 Palestinians since late February, the website said.
Israel lifts siege on Palestinian territories — radio
By KUNA
Gaza : The Israeli Army has lifted a siege on the Palestinian territories that was imposed last Thursday following a deadly attack on a Jewish religious schools in Jerusalem.
A spokesman of the army, cited by Israel Radio on Monday, said the decision was taken after Minister of Defense Ehud Barak held consultations with chiefs of the Israeli security apparatus and the armed forces, assessing the security conditions.
UAE SMEs Explore Franchise Opportunities in Europe
By WAM
Dubai : Buoyed by a highly competitive business friendly investment climate and nurtured by government incentives, the small and medium enterprises in the UAE are eyeing matured markets overseas for franchising opportunities to maximize their growth potential.
Reflecting this trend, seven member companies of the Mohammed bin Rashid Establishment for Young Business Leaders accompanied by the Establishment?s officials will participate in the Franchise Expo Paris.
Filing of charges against Bhutto killers delayed
By Xinhua
Rawalpindi : A Pakistani anti-terrorism court here Tuesday delayed filing charges against five suspects accused of being involved in the assassination of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto, a court official said.
Judge Habibur Rehman adjourned hearing till April 21, but gave no reason for the adjournment.
Bhutto was assassinated shortly after she addressed an election rally in the garrison city near capital Islamabad Dec 27 last year.
The five men, arrested in the weeks following the assassination, were taken to the court by police commandoes under tight security.
At least 63 killed, as many injured in Iraqi violence
Baghdad, March 23 (DPA) At least 63 people were killed Sunday, including Iraqi soldiers and members of the same family, while 63 were injured in separate incidents across Iraq, officials and media reports said.
In southeast Baghdad, militants opened fire on civilians in the Zafarneyia district killing seven and wounding another 16, the Voices of Iraq (VOI) news agency reported. The dead included women and children.
Another five Iraqis were killed and eight injured when a rocket struck a residential area in Baghdad's Kamiliya district.
Palestinian forces to deploy in West Bank — radio
By KUNA
Gaza : Palestinian forces will soon be deployed to Bethlehem south of the West Bank in addition to other major towns in the area after Israel granted its approval, the Israeli radio said on Wednesday.
"This approval came after Israel's defense minister Ehud Barak on Tuesday said he would soon allow 600 foreign-trained Palestinian police to take up positions in the West Bank town of Jenin in a gesture aimed at helping the moderate Palestinian government restore law and order," the radio quoted security sources as saying.